CHRISTMAS DAY, YR A
Isaiah 52:7-10; Ps 98;
Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18
JESUS, THE REASON FOR CHRISTMAS
At Christmas, most Churches have Christmas cribs, some very large and beautiful, others small, modest and still beautiful. Many families, go to the crib to pray and take pictures after mass. Almost every year, children are curious and always ask about the baby Jesus in the manger.
Our second reading from the book of Hebrews today also speaks about Jesus. The letter to the Hebrews was written to a people who were Jewish Christians.
The writer begins by recognizing that God had revealed himself to man in many ways and through many mediums. has revealed himself to them in the past through the patriarchs, prophets, dreams and the scriptures. This reference is talking about God’s revelation in the Old Testament.
But in his Son Jesus Christ, he has spoken definitely and completely. Jesus is the final word and complete revelation of God. We can immediately see the difference. The revelation in the Old Testament was through events and intermediaries but in Jesus Christ, there is a deeper revelation of the Father. In Jesus, God has reached out to us personally.
About Jesus, he says He is the image of the one through whom all things were made. All things that begin to exist, were created through the Son of God, who became one of us. This is in reference to the eternal nature of Jesus. Unlike the prophets and patriarchs who are mortal, Jesus is eternal. Jesus himself prayed, “Now Father, glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world began” (John 17:5).
He is not only eternal and through whom all created things came to be, he is the heir of all. He has a right of inheritance and ownership. All of us who believe and give our lives to him, resolve to live our lives in obedience to the commandments of God, will receive the Spirit of God who makes us co-heirs with Jesus. This is how Paul puts it “for those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry ‘abba Father!’ The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:14-17).
Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. The Greek word used (apaugasma) means the reflected brightness from a source of light. Jesus is the perfect reflection then, of the majesty, splendour and glory of God. He shows forth God’s glory in perfection.
He is not only the perfect radiance of God’s glory, He is his very image. The writer of Hebrews uses the word “character” instead of “eikon” (icon). It refers to an engraved image which can be used to create an exact replica of an original. Jesus is the exact image of the father both in being and character. If you seek to know God, get to know Jesus. In fact, if you want to see God, look at Jesus. He told Philip, “whoever has seen me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9).
Jesus is at the right hand of power after coming to reveal God’s mercy and love to us, and after accomplishing the work of salvation for us. This is the one whose birth we commemorate in this season of Christmas.
Christmas time is a time for a little catechesis around the crib where we introduce our children to Jesus. Where we form them to love the Lord. Around the crib let us teach them to become disciples.
For us adults, it is a time to be thankful for this great love the Father has shown us. A time of holiness. and recommitment to the God who has come to us. It is a time to spread joy, peace and forgiveness. It is a time to remember that God will do what he promises no matter how long it takes and he is always with us.
The joy of Christmas is not the gifts and the parties but the gift of Jesus. He is the reason for the Christmas season. Do not wish people “happy holiday season”, or Xmas” but wish them the joy of Christmas. Don’t take Jesus out of the Christmas celebrations.
Merry Christmas.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
